Message from the Chair – May 2015

Message from the Chair – May 2015

The draft Strategic Plan passed unanimously at the public meeting on May 12 , so it will be up on the website for final review by the community and partner groups. Once it has been posted, please have a look and give us any final comments by late this month. The final plan will go to the public Board meeting on June 9 and if accepted, senior staff will begin planning how to operationalize our goals over the next four years. We hope to have the final print version of the Strategic Plan 2015-2019 available for schools in September.

The Board has approved our budget in the amount of $39,976,565.00 for the 2015-2016 school year. It was a difficult budget year with reductions in administrative supplies, transportation, custodial services. There was also a reduction in the allotment for schools this year but that was counter balanced by increased support for technology for schools and a district supported music program. View the budget here.

Thanks to the many people who came to meetings to discuss the budget and to our principals, support staff and teachers. Every one is doing terrific things with a little less. At the Board level, we will continue to lobby hard for increased funding allotment in the coming year.

Many, many school boards from across the province have written to the Ministry of Education to ask for revisions and more discussion on Bill 11 as mentioned in last month's blog. It is heartening to see a united voice in the province through the BC School Trustees Association and through individual Board actions to work to continue the autonomy of local school boards. Please let our local MLA know your views on this issue!

We are coming up to the season of exams, completed assignments and graduation celebrations. The Board of SD46 appreciates the help of all our partners, our staff and the whole community in helping our students have good opportunities, support in their struggles and encouragement as they work to finish the school year in a positive way. Thank you for all that you do!